What is wisdom?
Posted by tom | Jan 31, 2006Just wrapped up a grad conversation on the opening of Proverbs. We discussed proverbs being witty aphorisms and wisdom as a pattern of thought/living emerging from the fear of the Lord. We defined the fear of the Lord as an obedient recognition of the who God is and my relationship with Him as God. We noted that the fool rejects a feedback loop regarding the application and construction of his/her perspective . . . despising wisdom, instruction, and correction.
Some other thoughts which we did not have time to explore include that wisdom is most often acquired through struggle, involves a prudent life, links theory and practice, develops in the context of a community which embraces God and allows His Word and Spirit to lead them into obedient living. Would love to read your thoughts on Proverbs . . . drop me some insights :-)
FYI: I found Tremper Longman III's How to Read Proverbs, in addition to the New Bible Commentary, a helpful resource for my own consideration of the Book of Proverbs.
